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Isle of Man 1998 - Birman Cat - Proof Fine 999. Silver Coin

Coin Highlights

1998 Proof Fine Silver

Issued on behalf of the Isle of Man

Issue: 50,000

Unique presentation box and certificate

Also available as: Uncirculated Cupro Nickel

Description

1998 sees the release of the Birman Cat Crown from Pobjoy Mint as a stunning addition to the popular Isle of Man Manx Cat series. This collection has become one of the most successful coin series in the world, delighting coin collectors and cat lovers alike.

Approved by Buckingham Palace the obverse of this Crown bears a fine effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Lord of Mann. The reverse depicts a wonderful portrait of the charming Birman Cat.

As featured in previous cat issues, a Manx kitten is portrayed on the reverse, just behind the Birman. Available in uncirculated cupro nickel and 1oz fine 999. silver, each IOM collector's coin has been struck to the Pobjoy proof finish showing off the frosted relief against a mirror background.

This attractive variety has been exhibited since 1931 in France, where it is known as the sacred cat of Burma. The exact ancestry of the Birman is not known, but folk tale suggests that they lived with the holy men in Buddhist temples in Burma under the protection of the Grand Lama.

Unknown in Britain until 1964-65 when two breeders imported the first pair, they were at first exhibited in the 'Any Other Variety' classes. Then, as they proved to breed true they were granted recognition in 1966. Among the first Birman champions in Britain were Paranjoti Chimea and Paranjoti Katmandu. Other imports have followed from both France and Germany where Birmans are also bred, and Birmans from Britain are now exported all over the world. Said to be affectionate, gentle and even tempered with charming personalities, they are very popular both for showing and as pets, and the numbers in Britain are increasing rapidly.